Local veteran shows pictures and videos of Standing Rock

FALLBROOK, Calif. - An Army veteran from Fallbrook has been home from Standing Rock just four days and he already plans to return. Tuesday he shared his pictures and video of Dakota Access Pipeline protesters. He calls the trip, a calling.

Evan Ulibari, a native to New Mexico, has indigenous blood. He and a local chiropractor took $7,000 worth of medical supplies, food and clothing to the people in North Dakota. All money was raised in Southern California through donations and some out of their own pocket.

“It’s the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done in my life," Ulibarri said. “It was the first time I was able to really utilize the skills I got in the Army, but also in the kitchen as a chef. It was like a complete experience."

An experience Ulibari wanted to share. By taking photos and telling his story, he hopes people see what he saw and captured during his stay there. Ulibarri plans to return to Standing Rock despite orders of emergency evacuations of the camps due to the harsh weather.

“The thing that isn’t taken into account is this is a religious place for them that is a sacred space," Ulibarri said. “As an American, I fundamentally think what that pipeline is doing going under the Missouri River is a mistake.”

Ulibarri said the second time around he is looking to help the children and to take cold weather supplies.

“They need tarps. They need meat. They need just anything you could use to survive a winter."

His biggest concern is the out lash from too many people protesting in too cold of temperatures.

“There’s a lot of well wishers. [And there are] people who don’t go there like I did in prayer and with the respect for them,” said Ulibarri.